Episode 98: Lean On Me Season 5 marches on as the gang steps into the halls of Eastside High for John G. Avildsen's 1989 drama Lean On Me, where Principal Joe Clark takes on failing systems, fraying hope, and a school on the brink with nothing but a bullhorn, a baseball bat, and a stubborn belief in his students. Craig rings the bell with Producer's Notes (9:52), setting the tone for a spirited class session, while Alain sketches out the ups, downs, and hard lines in the Beauclair Synopsis (29:56). Chris takes the lectern in Philosopher's Corner (1:07:24), reflecting on the film's questions about authority, community responsibility, and the complicated ethics of "tough love." Things get heated at the Round Table (1:14:53) as the gang gathers to debate leadership, legacy, and whether Clark's methods are effective or overreaching. As the dust settles, we head into Reviews (2:16:04) and Mailbag (2:30:28) for the final rally of opinions and closing remarks. As always, we explore the philosophical and non-philosophical lessons carried through the story, because when the stakes are high and the halls are loud, everybody needs someone to lean on. 🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Beatbox Brown Ale by Polyrhythm Brewing (Edmonton, AB)
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2:37:03
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2:37:03
Philosophy In Film - 097 - Weapons
Episode 97: Weapons Just in time for a Halloween Spooktacular, the gang is back for Season 5 of Philosophy in Film, and the reel's already spinning! First up in the tray: Zach Cregger's eerie ensemble horror Weapons (2025), where seventeen schoolchildren vanish at 2:17 a.m., forcing a town to ask: what if the monster isn't outside, but inside the story? In search of answers, Craig sounds the alarm with Producer's Notes (8:31) while Alain opens the Beauclair Synopsis (17:23), laying out the tangled threads of characters, each chasing a truth they're too afraid to face. Chris slips into Philosopher's Corner (42:55), tracing the film's vanishings through a dim reflection of screens and silence, where the real horror may be what we've grown used to losing. At The Round Table (42:40), the gang wrangles the question: Is Weapons a cautionary mirror or a funhouse for our fears? Later, Reviews (1:10:48) and Mailbag (1:24:41) let our audience testify in the court of shared dread. As always, we reflect on the philosophical and non-philosophical fissures the film fractures open, because in a town where the children vanish, silence becomes just another weapon. 🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Beldame Old World Pilsner by Strange Fellows Brewing (East Vancouver, BC)
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1:33:49
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1:33:49
Philosophy In Film - 096 - Eddington
Episode 96: Eddington This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang rides into the dust and disinformation of Ari Aster's 2025 neo-Western Eddington. Set during the upheaval of 2020, the film pits Joaquin Phoenix's stoic, conspiracy-prone sheriff Joe Cross against Pedro Pascal's pragmatic mayor Ted Garcia in a small New Mexico town splintered by mask mandates, social media warfare, and secrets. Craig sounds the warning in Producer's Notes (9:59), rallying the posse to get ready; Alain draws the map of conflict in the Beauclair Synopsis (20:57), threading the political grievance, personal betrayal, and escalating paranoia. Chris then steps into Philosopher's Corner (41:16), tuning into the film's narrative pulse. At The Round Table (54:36), the gang debates whether Eddington mirrors our fractured moment or indulges in fever dreams, before Reviews (1:28:46) and Mailbag (1:37:54) bring listener dispatches from the divide. As always, we tackle the philosophical and non-philosophical standoffs within, as every showdown leaves a mark. 🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Ameri-cana Pale Ale by Vacay Brew Company (Calgary, AB)
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1:47:25
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1:47:25
Philosophy In Film - 095 - Sinners
Episode 95: Sinners This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang steps into the blood-soaked confessional of Ryan Coogler's 2025 thriller, Sinners. Nestled in the indie-crime-vampire-redemption-gangster genre, the film follows Eli Morgan, a disgraced pastor-turned-defense attorney, as he's pulled into the moral murk of faith, failure, and a client who might not be entirely human. Craig hacks away at Producer's Notes (9:37) with only slight collateral damage, while Alain cracks open the Book of Beauclair (21:04) to lay out Eli's twilight descent. Chris then lights a candle for Philosopher's Corner (47:20), tuning into the film's musical language, where brooding jazz and sacred overtones echo themes of guilt, redemption, and longing. At the Round Table (53:10), the gang debates whether Sinners bites into something meaningful or just bares its fangs, before Reviews (1:43:22) and Mailbag (1:55:35) offer closing testimony from the congregation. As always, we reflect on the philosophical and non-philosophical burdens carried through the film's long dark night, because even the damned listen close. 🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Irish Red Ale by Sea Change Brewing (Edmonton, AB)
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2:01:51
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2:01:51
Philosophy In Film - 094 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Episode 94: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Our long journey through Middle-earth reaches its end as the gang takes on the towering finale of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy: The Return of the King. Craig lights the beacons with Producer's Notes (8:03), rallying the realm for the final leg of our quest. Alain draws his sword for the Beauclair Synopsis (20:22), charting the last stand against darkness with Aragorn's path to the throne and Frodo's climb toward Mount Doom. Chris raises the light of Eärendil in Philosopher's Corner (47:28), exploring the steadfast, selfless resolve of Aragorn, whose enduring hope inspires unity and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. The Black Gate then opens for a hearty discussion at The Round Table (1:00:16), before Reviews (1:54:04) and Mailbag (2:05:41) make the final climb in this epic and enduring saga. As always, we reflect on the philosophical and non-philosophical burdens carried along the film's long road—because even at the end of all things, there's still light to be found. 🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Turning Tides Hazy IPA by Ale Architect X Bent Stick Brewing Co. X Cabin Brewing Co. (All three from Edmonton, AB)
Netherlands